Our True Refuge Is God

Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread.

Our reading titled, Our True Refuge is God, was written by Karen Huang. After his wife died, Fred felt he could endure the pain as long as he had his Monday breakfasts with his buddies. His fellow retirees lifted his spirits. Whenever sadness came, Fred would think about the next time he'd enjoy their company again. Their corner table was his safe place from grief. Over time, however, the gatherings ended.

Some friends became ill, others passed away. The emptiness led Fred to seek solace in the God he'd met in his youth. I have breakfast by myself now, he says, but I remember to hold on to the truth that Jesus is with me.

And when I leave the diner, I don't leave to face the rest of my days alone. Like the writer of Psalm 91, Fred discovered the safety and comfort of God's presence. He is my refuge in whom I trust. Fred came to know safety not as a physical place to hide, but as the steadfast presence of God that we can trust and rest in.

Both Fred and the psalmist found that they didn't have to face difficult days alone. We, too, can be assured of God's protection and help. When we turn to him in trust, he promises to respond and be with us. Do we have a safe place, a corner table we go to when life is hard?

It won't last, but God will. He waits for us to go to him, our true refuge. Today's Our Daily Bread devotional scripture reading is from Psalm 91 verses 1 through 2 and 14 through 16. Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.

Now picking up at verse 14. Because He loves me, says the Lord, I will rescue Him. I will protect Him, for He acknowledges my name. He will call on me and I will answer Him. I will be with Him in trouble. I will deliver Him and honor Him. With long life, I will satisfy Him and show Him my salvation.

Let's pray. Almighty God, we all endure hardship and heartache in life, but we take comfort in knowing that you are our refuge and sanctuary. When we feel alone in our sorrow, remind us of your enduring presence and that we don't have to navigate this life alone. Fill us with your peace and comfort today, Lord. It's in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Thanks for listening today. My name is Joyce Dinkins and today's encouragement was provided by Our Daily Bread Ministries.